educator - national council on teacher quality
TRANSCRIPT
Evaluation Handbook
2016-17
Educator
CITY OF CHICAGO
Rahm Emanuel
Mayor
CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Frank Clark
President
Jaime Guzman
Vice President
Members:
Gail D. Ward
Dominique Jordan Turner
Rev. Michael J. Garazini, S.J.
Mahalia Hines
Mark F. Furlong
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Forrest Claypool
Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Lyons
Chief Talent Officer
REACH Students Overview Acknowledgments
Page 3 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
We gratefully acknowledge the encouragement and expertise contributed by the following individuals
and departments in support of the creation of this Handbook: Sara Abu-Rumman, Lauren Clair-
Mcclellan, Ryan Crosby, Annamae Heiman, LaShonda Hicks-Curry, Mike Herring, Peter Leonard,
S. B.Loder, Joe Moriarty, Thi Nguyen, Lisa Perez, Amanda Smith, the Office of School Counseling and
Postsecondary Advising, the Talent Office, the Office of Strategy, Research and Accountability, the Office
of Professional Learning and the Office of Teaching and Learning.
In addition we thank the teachers and administrators of Chicago Public Schools for the work they do
every day to advance our students toward success in college, career and life.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 4 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Educator Evaluation Handbook Table of Contents
REACH Students Overview
Multiple Measures of REACH Students .................................................................... 8
Timeline 2014–15 .................................................................................................. 12
Professional Practice
CPS Framework for Teaching ................................................................................ 14
Levels of Performance ........................................................................................... 19
Critical Attributes .................................................................................................. 20
Evaluation Plan ...................................................................................................... 22
Formal Observations ............................................................................................. 23
Informal Observations ........................................................................................... 28
Professional Responsibilities .................................................................................. 29
Reflect and Learn System ...................................................................................... 31
FAQs ...................................................................................................................... 32
Student Growth
Performance Tasks ................................................................................................ 36
Value-Added Measures ......................................................................................... 39
Classroom Roster Verification and Performance Task Verification ...................... 41
FAQs ...................................................................................................................... 43
Evaluation Summary Report
Overview ............................................................................................................... 46
Clarifying Terminology .......................................................................................... 48
Counselor Practice
CPS Framework for School Counselors………………………………………………………………50
FAQs ........................................................................................................................... 53
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 5 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Educator Evaluation Handbook Table of Contents
Additional Frameworks: Educational Support Specialists and Teacher-Librarians
Educational Support Specialists............................................................................. 55
Teacher-Librarians ..................................................................................................... 57
FAQs ........................................................................................................................... 58
Employment Considerations
Evaluation Plans for Tenured Educators ……………………………………………………………..60
Probationary Appointed Teacher (PAT) Tenure Rules .......................................... 61
Professional Development Plan and Remediation Plan…………………………………….. 63
Grievance and Appeals Process ............................................................................. 66
FAQs ........................................................................................................................... 67
Resources
Knowledge Center……………………………….……………………………………………………………..69
CTU Quest Center………………………………. ……………………………………………………………..70
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
REACH Students
Overview
REACH Students Overview Journey to an Improved Evaluation System
Page 7 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
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© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved
Page 8 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
REACH Students Overview Multiple Measures of REACH Students
Classroom Educators
For teachers and librarians, there are two components to the system: Professional Practice and
Student Growth.
Professional Practice is measured using a discipline-specific CPS Framework, one each for teachers
and teacher-librarians.
Student Growth is measured in two ways, in most cases:
REACH Students Performance Tasks
Value-Added using standardized assessment growth
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 9 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
REACH Students Overview Multiple Measures of REACH Students
Non Classroom Educators and Related Service Providers
Educators evaluated using the Frameworks below will receive a final rating based solely on Professional
Practice. Professional Practice is measured using the appropriate discipline-specific Framework.
School Counselors
Educational Support Specialists
School Nursing
School Social Work
Speech-Language Pathology
School Psychology
Information regarding the RSP evaluation policies and procedures is available on the Knowledge Center.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 10 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
REACH Students Overview Multiple Measures of REACH Students
The table below places educators into categories aligned with their multiple measures percentage weights.
Professional Educators Practice
Student Growth Performance
Tasks Value- Added
Category A: Elementary Grade 3–8 educators who teach English, Reading, Math, including teachers of diverse learners
70% 10% 20% Individual
Category B: Elementary PreK–Grade 2 educators, including teachers of diverse learners who teach only students in PreK–Grade 2
70% 30% based on 2
Performance Tasks
Category C: Elementary Grade 3– 8 educators of non-tested subjects such as Science, Social Science, Fine Arts, Physical Education, including teachers of diverse learners and Teacher-Librarians
70% 20% 10% School-
wide Literacy
Category D: High School educators 70% 30% based on 2
Performance Tasks
Category E: Counselors, Related Service Providers (RSP), Educational Support S pecialists (ESS)
100%
Student Growth Notes
Value added scores are calculated based on student performance on NWEA MAP for elementary school teachers.
Value Added Notes
An educator will receive individual VAM if:
He/she teaches grades 3-8.
He/she provides instruction in Reading or Math for ten or more students as determined through Roster Verification
Students have valid pre- and post-test scores (spring to spring).
He/she must have taught in six or more months during the school year.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 11 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
REACH Students Overview Multiple Measures of REACH Students
Educators will receive school wide Literacy VAM if:
He/she does not have individual VAM and the majority of students for whom he/she provided instruction are in grades 3-8.
School wide VAM is calculated based on the performance of all students in the school who took a pre- and post-reading test (spring to spring).
Students who take the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessment, formerly IAA, or who receive scores below 3.5 on ACCESS Literacy are excluded from all VAM calculations.
Performance Task Notes
An educator will receive credit for a student’s growth on Performance Tasks for purposes of his/her
REACH evaluation if:
Student has BOY task scores entered in the CIM system during an approved BOY or MOY window.
Student has EOY task scores entered in the matching EOY task code in the CIM system during the
approved EOY window.
The teacher verifies the student and task in the Performance Task Verification process in the Battelle
for Kids system.
Teachers who are eligible to receive a REACH rating who are in a school for fewer than 100 instructional
days will no longer receive the “missing data” score of 3.12 for the REACH PT growth portion of their
evaluation. In an effort to base Summative scores solely on existing data, the scores will be calculated
based on available Value-added scores and/or Professional Practice results.
All teachers in a school for 100 or more instructional days are expected to ensure their students satisfy
the above three conditions to receive credit for student growth on Performance Tasks.
It is imperative that the Roster Verification is carefully entered and closely monitored.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 12 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
REACH Students Overview Timeline 2016-17
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Professional Practice
Professional Practice CPS Framework for Teaching
Page 14 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
The Four Domains
The CPS Framework for Teaching is a modified version of Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for
Teaching. It was developed in collaboration with the CTU. The CPS Framework for Teaching organizes
the work of teachers into four numbered sections called domains. The four domains are described in
the graphic below.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Professional Practice CPS Framework for Teaching
Page 15 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
For the purpose for calculating a Professional Practice score, the following are the weights for each
domain.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Professional Practice CPS Framework for Teaching
Page 16 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Domain and Component Table
Each domain contains four or five lettered components. Educators receive ratings at the component
level following Formal and Informal Observations.
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation Domain 2: Classroom Environment
1a: Demonstrating Knowledge of Content
and Pedagogy
2a: Creating an Environment of Respect
and Rapport
1b: Demonstrating Knowledge of Students 2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning
1c: Selecting Learning Objectives 2c: Managing Classroom Procedures
1d: Designing Coherent Instruction 2d: Managing Student Behavior
1e: Designing Student Assessment
Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities Domain 3: Instruction
4a: Reflecting on Teaching and Learning 3a:Communicating with Students
4b: Maintaining Accurate Records 3b: Using Questioning and Discussion
Techniques
4c: Communicating with Families 3c: Engaging Students in Learning
4d: Growing and Developing Professionally 3d: Using Assessment in Instruction
4e: Demonstrating Professionalism 3e: Demonstrating Flexibility and
Responsiveness
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Professional Practice CPS Framework for Teaching
Page 17 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Framework Vocabulary: Domain, Component and Element
The CPS Framework for Teaching is organized in three levels: Domain, Component, and Element.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
4 Domains
19
70 Elements
Professional Practice CPS Framework for Teaching
Page 18 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Educators should check their assigned Framework in the Reflect
and Learn System (RLS) to ensure it is correct. If you have any
questions about what you see in RLS, check with a school
administrator. If you need technical assistance with RLS, call the
Help Desk at (773) 553-3925.
The CPS Framework for Teaching Companion Guide lists unique
characteristics of teaching practice for the content area/settings,
as well as examples of practice at the Proficient and Distinguished
levels of performance. Educators and school administrators may
wish to use these resources as a reference when reflecting on
practice and during the REACH observation cycle.
The following Addenda are available on the Knowledge Center: Arts
Addendum, English Language Learner Addendum, Physical
Education Addendum, Preschool Addendum, and Special Education
Addendum. Educators and evaluators will benefit from referencing
these materials during Pre- and Post-Observation Conferences.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 19 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Levels of Performance
CPS Frameworks are rubrics that describe professional practice across a continuum for each
component. The levels of performance of the CPS Frameworks are Distinguished, Proficient, Basic, and
Unsatisfactory. It is important to recognize that levels of performance refer to educator practice, not
the educator.
Level of Performance
Unsatisfactory Basic Proficient Distinguished
Refers to teaching that does not
convey understanding of
the concepts underlying the
component. Teachers whose practice falls into
this level of performance are doing academic
harm in the classroom.
Refers to teaching
practice that demonstrates the necessary
knowledge and skills to be
effective, but its application is inconsistent.
Refers to successful,
teaching practice that is
consistently high level. Most
experienced teachers
frequently demonstrates practice at this
level.
Refers to professional teaching that
innovatively involves students in the
learning process and creates a community of learners. Teachers
performing at this level are master
teachers and leaders in the field, both
inside and outside of their school.
Key
Indicators
Little or None
Unclear
Not Aligned
Some
Inconsistent
Partial
Most
Consistent
Clear
All
Complex
Leadership
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
TEACHER- STUDENT- DIRECTED SUCCESS DIRECTED SUCCESS
Page 20 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Critical Attributes
In addition to the Critical Attributes for the CPS Framework for Teaching, CPS and CTU worked together
to develop an additional resource to help describe teaching at each level of performance for teachers
of Diverse Learners. The SPED Critical Attributes are available on the Knowledge Center.
Critical Attributes represent descriptions of what one might see in a classroom. They are not
exhaustive and should not be used as checklists to justify ratings. When determining a level of
performance, the evaluator must use the language of the Framework.
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
Component Unsatisfactory Basic Proficient Distinguished
1a: Demonstrating Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy
Knowledge of:
Content Standards Within and Across Grade Levels
Disciplinary Literacy
Prerequisite Relationships
Content-Related Pedagogy
Teacher demonstrates little to no knowledge of relevant content standards within and/or across grade levels. Teacher demonstrates no knowledge of the disciplinary way of reading, writing and/or thinking within the subject area. Teacher demonstrates little understanding of prerequisite knowledge important to student learning of the content/skills. Teacher’s plans reflect little or no understanding of the range of pedagogical approaches suitable to student learning of the content/skills being taught.
Teacher demonstrates knowledge of the relevant content standards within the grade level but displays lack of awareness of how these concepts r e l a t e to one another and/or build across grade levels. Teacher demonstrates some knowledge of the disciplinary way of reading, writing, and/or thinking within the subject area. The teacher demonstrates some understanding of prerequisite learning, although knowledge of relationships among topics may be inaccurate or incomplete. Teacher’s plans reflect a limited range of pedagogical approaches suitable to student learning of the content/skills being taught.
Teacher demonstrates knowledge of the relevant content standards, within and across grade levels. Teacher demonstrates knowledge of the disciplinary way of reading, writing, and/or thinking within the subject area. Teacher demonstrates accurate understanding of prerequisite learning and relationships among topics and concepts. Teacher’s plans reflect a range of effective pedagogical approaches suitable to student learning of the content/skills being taught.
Teacher demonstrates knowledge of the relevant content standards within the grade level and across grade levels, as well as how these standards relate to other disciplines. Teacher’s plans demonstrate extensive knowledge of the disciplinary way of reading, writing, and/or thinking within the subject area. Teacher demonstrates deep understanding of prerequisite learning and relationships among topics and concepts. Teacher’s plans include a range of effective pedagogical approaches suitable to student l e a r n i n g of the content/skills being taught and anticipate student misconceptions.
Critical Attributes
1. Unit and/or lesson plans do not include content standards.
2. Unit and/or lesson plans do not include strategies that require reading, writing or thinking in the content area.
3. Unit and/or lesson plans include content that is not sequenced based on prior lessons or prior student knowledge.
4. Unit and/or lesson plans include instructional strategies that are not appropriate for the content or students’ learning styles.
1. Unit and/or lesson plans include content standards but they may not be entirely appropriate for the grade level or properly sequenced.
2. Unit and/or lesson plans include some strategies that require reading, writing or thinking in the content area but they may not be fully described or appropriately selected.
3. Unit and/or lesson plans include some gaps in appropriate content or the sequence of content does not fully build on prior lessons or student knowledge.
4. Unit and/or lesson plans include a limited range of instructional strategies that are somewhat appropriate for the content and students’ learning styles.
1. Unit and/or lesson plans include content standards that are grade level appropriate and are properly sequenced.
2. Unit and/or lesson plans include appropriate and articulated strategies requiring reading, writing or thinking in the content area.
3. Unit and/or lesson plans include content that is well sequenced and builds on prior lessons and student knowledge.
4. Unit and/or lesson plans include a diverse range of instructional strategies that are entirely appropriate for the content and students’ learning styles.
In addition to the characteristics of
“proficient,”
1. Unit and/or lesson plans include connections to content standards from related disciplines.
2. Unit and/or lesson plans include strategies that connect reading, writing or thinking within the content area or to related disciplines.
3. Unit and/or lesson plans include strategies to clarify connections between major concepts in the content.
4. Unit and/or lesson plans include instructional strategies to anticipate student questions and student interest.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 21 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Critical Attributes
Critical Attributes exist for the following CPS Frameworks: Teaching,
Psychology, School Social Work, School Nursing, and Speech- Language
Pathology. Practitioners are encouraged to print, read, and annotate relevant
Critical Attributes. Practitioners may want to reference these materials during
Pre- and Post-Observation Conferences.
Special Education Critical Attributes
In addition to the Special Education Addendum, CPS and CTU worked together to develop an additional
resource to help describe teaching at each level of performance for teachers of Diverse Learners. The SPED
Critical Attributes are available on the Knowledge Center.
The CPS Frameworks should guide professional growth and are used by
administrators and educators during observations to determine current levels of
performance and promote reflection on practice.
In using the Framework to evaluate educator practice, evaluators should consider
the preponderance of the evidence. Evaluators should not expect to see
everything described in each component of the Framework in every observation or
conference.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 22 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Evaluation Plan
Determining Your Evaluation Plan Evaluation Plan: The specific timing and type of observations are determined by the assigned Evaluation Plan. Every CPS educator is on an Annual Plan or a Biennial Plan.
Are you a Probationary Appointed Teacher (PAT)?
Are you a Probationary Appointed Teacher hired prior to July 1, 2013? Are you a Probationary Appointed Teacher hired after July 1, 2013? Additional guidance found on page 62.
Are you a Tenured Educator?
The Evaluation Plan for tenured educators is determined by their previous summative REACH Students
Rating. Some tenured educators are assigned to an ANNUAL PLAN, while some are assigned to a
BIENNIAL PLAN.
Annual Plan Biennial Plan
A previous summative REACH Students
Rating of Developing
Four observations within a single school year
Two Formal Observations and two Informal Observations
Observations are separated by at least one calendar month
Summative rating issued in September 2017
A previous summative REACH Students Rating of
Proficient/Excellent
Four observations across two school years
One Formal and one Informal
Observation each year
Observations are separated by at least three calendar months
Summative rating issued in September 2017-Year 2
Summative rating issued in September 2018-Year 1
*Tenured educators with an Unsatisfactory rating are placed on a Remediation Plan. Please reference the Remediation/ PDP page 63 for more information. © 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Four observations within a single school year
Three formal observations and one Informal Observation
Observations are separated by at least one calendar month
Summative rating issued in September 2017
All PAT educators are assigned to an ANNUAL PLAN.
Page 23 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Formal Observations
There are two types of observations. The first is a Formal Observation, which includes a Pre-
Observation Conference (focused on Domain 1), a classroom observation (Domains 2 and 3) and a
Post-Observation Conference (Component 4a and reflection on the observation). Each part of the
Formal Observation is summarized in the table below. The examples below are written for the CPS
Framework for Teaching. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those evaluated under other
Frameworks. Details about each step follow.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Formal Observation
PRE-OBSERVATION CONFERENCE FORMAL OBSERVATION
POST-OBSERVATION CONFERENCE
WHEN
Evaluator provides 48 hours (two school days) notice to educator.
The observation occurs within 5 school days of the Pre-Conference. The day and time is at evaluator’s discretion as long as it occurs during the lesson/unit discussed in the Pre-conference.
Occurs within 10 school days of the observation. Best Practice: Post-observation conference occurs at least one day following the observation.
WHAT
Educator and Evaluator engage in collaborative conversation intended to illuminate classroom context. Educator and evaluator reference Pre-Observation Protocol, and appropriate CPS Framework. Best Practice: Relevant Addendum is referenced.
Observed lesson must be from the unit discussed in the Pre-Observation conference. Evaluator observes and captures evidence in Domain 2 (Classroom Environment) and Domain 3 (Instruction) for the length of the lesson, 45 minutes, or a class period. Evaluator should reschedule observations if classroom activity is disrupted at the time of the scheduled observation.
Educator and Evaluator engage in collaborative conversation about evidence, preliminary ratings, feedback and next steps for improving practice. Focus on Domains 2 and 3 as well as Component 4a. Educator and evaluator reference Post-Observation Protocol, Framework language, evidence from observation. Best Practice: Relevant Addendum is referenced Best Practice: At least once per year, discuss 4b-4e evidence and scores.
HOW
Best Practice: Educator explains planning process in the Pre-Observation Protocol. Educator uploads unit and/or lesson plan in RLS prior to Pre-Conference.
Best Practice: Evaluator shares evidence in RLS prior to Post-Observation Conference.
Best Practice: Educator reviews evidence against Framework.
Best Practice: Educator completes Post-Observation Protocol in RLS prior to Post-Conference. Best Practice: Evaluator shares final ratings in RLS within 5 days of Post-Observation Conference.
Page 24 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Formal Observations
Pre-Observation Conference
The Pre-Observation Conference is a meeting between the evaluator and educator held five or fewer
days prior to the observation. Evaluators must provide “reasonable notification” of the Pre-
Observation Conference to the educator. As a rule of thumb, “reasonable notification” should be
considered 48 hours in advance of the Pre-Observation Conference excluding weekends and holidays.
Prior to the conference, educators should review the questions on the Protocol for the Pre-Observation
Conference and be prepared to discuss their practice aligned to Domain 1. Educators have the option to
submit their responses and upload artifacts to the Reflect and Learn System (RLS) to support the unit
discussed in the collaborative conversation. Examples of artifacts may include unit plans, lesson plans,
student assessments, etc. Evidence from the conversation is documented in RLS.
During the Pre-Observation Conference the evaluators and educators clearly communicate about the
lesson/unit plan, objectives, instructional design and assessments as well as the students/grade for
whom the unit is designed.
Classroom Observation
Within five school days of the Pre-Observation Conference, evaluators conduct a formal classroom
observation for 45 minutes, the length of a lesson, or class period to collect evidence of the educator’s
practice aligned to each of the components in Domain 2 and Domain 3. The evaluator has discretion on
what day and time they choose to observe an educator as long as it is within five schools days of the Pre-
Observation Conference and the educator is teaching the lesson or unit that was discussed.
Following the observation, the evaluator aligns evidence to the components of the Framework and
may determine preliminary performance ratings. In order to best support teachers’ reflection and
ensure a productive, evidence-based post-conference conversation, evaluators should share evidence
from the observation with the teacher in advance of the Post-Observation Conference.
Audio and/or video recordings can be used during REACH Students observations only in cases where
there is mutual consent (both educator and evaluator). Recordings can only be used for professional
development purposes and require mutual consent. Recordings cannot be submitted as evidence for
any part of the evaluation by the educator or evaluator.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 25 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Formal Observations
Post-Observation Conference
Within 10 school days of the classroom observation, the evaluator and the educator meet for a Post-
Observation Conference to discuss and reflect on evidence of the educator’s practice. To prepare for the
conference, educators may wish to respond to the questions on the Protocol for the Post-Observation in
RLS.
Educators are not required to submit responses to the Protocol for the Post-Observation Conference, but
should be prepared to discuss the questions. To facilitate reflection, evaluators are encouraged to share
evidence collected during the observation with educators prior to the Post-Observation Conference.
Teachers have the option of bringing additional evidence to the conference, for example, student work
generated during the observation or student work from follow-up homework. During the Post-
Observation Conference, evaluators will collect evidence for Component 4a: Reflecting on Teaching
and Learning, clarify evidence collected for Domains 2 and 3 and may discuss evidence for
Components 4b–4e. Evaluators and educators will discuss components/elements of Celebration
(areas of strength) and Concentration (areas for improvement) as well as next steps and resources.
Following the Post-Observation Conference, evaluators finalize ratings for all components in Domains
1, 2, 3, and Component 4a and share these ratings with the educator. It is best practice that the
ratings be posted and shared on the Reflect and Learn System within five school days of the Post-
Observation Conference.
NOTE: The evaluator should determine final component-level ratings based on the preponderance of
evidence collected during the observation of professional practice and the Post-Observation
Conference.
Before the Post-Observation Conference
Evaluators share evidence from the observation via RLS in advance of the
Post-Observation Conference.
Educators answer the Protocol for the Post-Observation Conference
questions on RLS.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 26 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Formal Observations
During the Post-Observation Conference
Discuss the written evidence from the observation. The goal is to have a
common understanding of what happened during the observation.
Educator shares what went well and what could have gone better during
the lesson.
Evaluator shares what went well and what could have gone better
during the lesson.
Evaluator identifies areas for improvement with specific suggestions and support offered. The
evaluator targets feedback and coaching to areas of growth.
The evaluator and educator reference language from the appropriate Framework (including
Critical Attributes) when discussing evidence and ratings. If appropriate, a Framework Addedum
may also be referfenced by the educator or the evaluator.
Evaluator shares preliminary component-level ratings for discussion. Ratings are not finalized
until after the Post-Conference.
After the Post Conference
Evaluator shares final component-level ratings with the educator in RLS within five school days after the Post-Observation Conference.
Evaluator is required to rate all components of Domain 1, 2, 3, and Component 4a during a Formal Observation.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 27 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Formal Observations
REACH Students observations will only be conducted by evaluators certified by the Illinois State
Board of Education (ISBE). In the event that the Principal and Assistant Principal in a building are
unable to conduct observations due to unexpected circumstances, CPS may appoint a certified
evaluator.
It is important to note that additional classroom visits by school colleagues,
network teams, school leadership teams and/or individuals (e.g., peer
observations, walkthroughs, snapshots) may still occur, but these classroom
visits are non-evaluative and do not count toward a teacher’s summative
REACH Students Rating. That is, only evidence gathered during a REACH
Students Formal or Informal Observation is used to inform a teacher’s
summative REACH Students Rating.
Any observation, REACH Students or otherwise, should be used as an opportunity to hold
additional collaborative conversations, develop teaching practice and support teachers in
achieving professional goals.
Share evidence and a draft of component-level ratings before the Post- Observation Conference.
REACH Students observations can begin at the start of the 5th week of
school, Monday, October 3, 2016. Pre-Observation Conferences can
commence prior to October 3, 2016 and must be held five or fewer school
days before the observation.
REACH Students observations must end on Friday, May 26, 2017.
Post-Observation Conferences can be held after May 26, 2017 and must take
place within 10 schools days of the classroom observation.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved
Page 28 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Informal Observations
Informal Observations are a minimum of 15 minutes and are unannounced. Please see below for a
table describing the protocol for an Informal Observation. Evaluators should make it clear to
educators whether or not an unannounced visit to the classroom is for REACH Students evaluative
purposes.
Administrators are encouraged to conduct non-evaluative visits in order to provide more frequent
feedback to educators. If it is a REACH Students Informal Observation, the evaluator should inform the
educator when evidence and ratings have been entered into RLS. It is best practice to share evidence
and final component-level ratings within five school days after the observation has been conducted.
Informal Observations are occasions for more targeted coaching. It is an opportunity
to focus on specific components, such as those discussed in a prior Post Observation
Conference, in order to improve practice.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
OBSERVATION AFTER the OBSERVATION
WHEN
No advance notice is necessary. Educators or evaluators may request an in-person conference.
WHAT
Evaluator observes for at least 15 minutes and captures evidence from the classroom.
Evaluator should proactively communicate if an observation is for REACH purposes.
Focus is on Domain 2 (Classroom Environment) and Domain 3 (Instruction).
Evaluators are not required to rate all components, only components with sufficient evidence for Domains 2 and 3.
HOW
Evaluator enters evidence in Reflect and Learn System.
Evaluator shares evidence and ratings, provides feedback and finalizes the observation cycle in RLS.
Best Practice: Evaluator shares evidence and final component level ratings within 5 school days after the observation.
Page 29 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Professional Responsibilities
Components 4b-4e are not rated during a formal observation, but evaluators and educators are
encouraged to discuss them during a Post-Observation Conferences. Ratings are issued once per
evaluation cycle.
WHAT evidence should be entered into the Reflect and Learn System? Evidence for 4b–4e can be captured as a brief narrative that reflects the educator’s professional
practice throughout the school year. Educators receiving a summative rating at the end of SY 2016-17 are encouraged to enter evidence
by mid-February in order to receive feedback. Up to two artifacts, per component, that showcase best practices can also be submitted, but
a thoughtful description may take the place of uploading documents into RLS.
WHAT happens after evidence has been entered into the Reflect and Learn System?
Evaluators are encouraged to review the evidence and provide feedback by the end of spring break. Educators make final edits to the evidence by mid-May. Evaluators review final evidence in June and issue final ratings.
WHO will receive a rating at the end of SY 2016–2017?
PATs Tenured Educators on an Annual Plan Tenured or Part-time Educators completing Year 2 of a Biennial Plan
Quality of evidence is more important than quantity of evidence. Re-read the
language of the Framework to inform the writing of a narrative description of
practice. Educators should only upload evidence that explicitly helps an evaluator
assess the proper level of performance.
Educators are encouraged to reach out to their evaluators to discuss evidence
and ratings during the Post-Observation Conference.
If an educator on a Biennial Plan submits evidence for Components 4b–4e in year
one of their two year cycle, the evaluator should consider that evidence as well as
any evidence they document in year two when issuing final ratings.
Note: If scores are entered in 4b-4e during Year 1 of a Biennial’s cycle, those scores
will not count toward the rating. Only scores entered in Year 2 are used in summative calculations. © 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 30 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Professional Responsibilities
Attendance
Attendance is one of five elements of Component 4e: Demonstrating Professionalism. Evaluators must
always consider the preponderance of evidence across the entire component when issuing ratings.
It is not appropriate for an evaluator to assign more weight to Attendance than Integrity and Ethical
Conduct, Advocacy, Decision-Making, or Compliance with School and District Regulations. An
evaluator may not create local school criteria regarding attendance and apply them as part of the
REACH Students evaluation process.
Educators are encouraged to be mindful of the importance of punctuality and regular attendance, but
should not be deterred from appropriately using contractual benefit time. Educators must follow their
school’s absence monitoring procedures (reporting, substitute plans, etc.) when taking a benefit day.
It is considered misconduct if an educator abuses sick or personal business benefit days, or uses
absences to avoid the REACH process. Examples of conduct that may merit disciplinary action include
but are not limited to:
repeated tardiness
repeated unplanned absences with short notice
short notice of planned absences
planned or unplanned absences on key dates for the school (report card pick-up, PD days, testing
days, special event days)
repeated Friday/Monday, day before holiday/break absences
excessive numbers of days off without a leave of absence
use of sick days for other than personal illness
.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 31 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice Reflect and Learn System
The Reflect and Learn System (RLS) facilitates professional dialogue and meaningful feedback between
CPS educators and evaluators to help us all better serve the needs of Chicago’s students. Through the
evaluation cycle, evaluators use RLS to collect evidence, align evidence to components and enter
component-level ratings. Educators may use RLS to upload relevant documentation for observation
cycles and professional responsibility components as well as view REACH Students Evaluation Summary
Reports and observation cycle evidence and ratings. During the school year, educators interact with RLS
to:
Access REACH Students Evaluation Summary Report
Educators can always access REACH Students Evaluation Summary Reports that have been issued
on the RLS homepage.
Review Evaluator Evidence
Educators can view evaluator evidence for each scored component after the evaluator has entered
and shared these items in RLS.
Review Component-Level Ratings after a Post-Observation Conference
Educators can review evidence that an evaluator as entered and shared in RLS.
Upload Documents as Evidence
Educators are encouraged to complete and upload relevant materials into RLS to support their
evaluation cycles. Relevant items may include Protocol(s) for Pre- and Post-Observation Conference
question sets. Excessive uploading of documents is discouraged.
Log into the Reflect and Learn System by going to https://reflectandlearn.cps.edu/ Use your CPS
Username and Password to gain access.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 32 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice FAQs
1. Q: Why didn’t I get ratings for all of the components after an Informal Observation? A: Unlike Formal Observations, Informal Observations do not require an evaluator to give ratings for all Domain 2 and 3 Components. Because Informal Observations are shorter in length, evaluators need only score Components that are relevant to what was seen during the observation.
2. Q: Can more than one evaluator be present during a REACH observation? A: Yes. In cases where more than one evaluator is present, one evaluator is responsible for entering evidence and determining ratings as well as conducting the Pre and Post Observation Conferences.
3. Q: Can I request an evaluator to re-do a REACH observation? A: Yes, but it is at the discretion of the evaluator whether or not to provide an additional observation. If the request is granted, the prior observation data will not be deleted from the Reflect and Learn System.
4. Q: I changed to a new CPS school this year. Can my new principal see my previous REACH data? A: Yes, previous REACH data can be accessed by CPS evaluators at the educator’s current school.
5. Q: What happens with observation ratings for educators who are hired in the middle of the year? A: In the event of a mid-year transfer, educators should expect to receive all required observations according to their Evaluation Plan. Observations from both schools’ evaluators will be used toward the teacher’s summative rating. If the educator is a new, mid-year hire, the evaluator is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate number of observations takes place depending on the Evaluation plan of the educator.
6. Q: Is an evaluator allowed to do more than the required number of Formal/Informal Observations? A: Yes, If an evaluator has the opportunity to provide more feedback by conducting additional observations while adhering to specified time span, the highest Formal and highest Informal Observations will be used toward the teacher’s summative rating in accordance with their plan. An evaluator can also substitute a Formal Observation for an Informal Observation.
7. Q: Some CPS teachers spend part of their time supervising student in settings where the teacher is not actively instructing. For example, students may be taking a test or completing activities as part of a computer-based curriculum, such as Achieve 3000. Should REACH observations happen when teachers are supervising students in these settings? A: No, it is generally unacceptable to observe for REACH purposes when the teacher is engaged in supervisory duties. REACH observations should take place when a teacher is actively instructing his/her students. It is appropriate for administrators to ask during a pre-conference how an online curriculum is used to inform planning of units or lessons.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 33 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice FAQs
8. Q: Is it acceptable for a teacher to be observed if her co-teacher is absent on the day the evaluator has designated for a Formal Observation? A: No, it is generally unacceptable. Observing the teacher while working with a day-to-day substitute is not the intention of the REACH process. It is best practice for a teacher to be observed under normal circumstances when required regular staff are present. Every effort should be made to schedule the observation for a date and time reflecting regular instruction.
9. Q: How should the Heggerty curriculum be considered during REACH observations? A: Heggerty is a phonemic awareness curriculum intended to be completed with a whole class of elementary students. Each lesson lasts about 15 minutes.
Evaluators are permitted to collect evidence while a teacher is using the Heggerty curriculum. The teacher’s execution of the content, in conjunction with other content under study, can be considered when evaluating the teacher’s instructional practice based on thorough discussion of how Heggerty is used in the classroom during pre and post observation conferences. If Heggerty is used during a REACH informal observation, which can be as short as 15 minutes, a post-observation conference to discuss the lesson is recommended.
It is best practice to view Heggerty as one tool in a teacher’s instructional tool kit. Evaluators are encouraged to include evidence beyond the Heggerty portion of a lesson when issuing REACH ratings.
10 Q: What are the best practices for conducting REACH observations for a CPS teacher who is mentoring another teacher? A: Under no circumstances should the evaluator observe the student teacher and use evidence from that observation to constitute any part of a teacher of record's evaluation. The mentor teacher should communicate the student teacher’s schedule to the school administration as soon as possible to inform the scheduling of REACH observations. The evaluator should schedule observations of the mentor teacher outside of the student teacher’s assignment.
If necessary, modifications to the student teacher’s schedule should be made so that the required observations can occur.
11 Q: What if an educator does not submit evidence for Domain 1 or Domain 4, Components 4b-4e? Should the evaluator automatically issue a rating of Unsatisfactory?
A: No. If an educator does not provide evidence this does not automatically equate to Unsatisfactory practice.
If an educator does not complete the Pre or Post Observation Conference questions, the evaluator should summarize the evidence provided for each Domain 1 Component during the Pre or Post Observation Conference and rate accordingly.
If the educator does not provide narratives for Components 4b-4e, the administrator should type a short narrative for each component and rate accordingly.
Page 34 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Practice FAQs
12 Q: What if an educator seems to be avoiding the REACH process?
A: Communication is always the key and evaluators should first assess whether there was a misunderstanding with scheduling. Evaluators should contact Employee Engagement for all educators who willfully fail to participate in the REACH evaluation procedures. Behaviors that could warrant disciplinary action include: strategically absent or unavailable, refusal to participate in Pre- and/or Post-Observation Conferences, refusal to participate during Pre- and/or Post-Observation Conferences without a witness.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Student Growth
Student Growth Performance Tasks
Page 36 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
A REACH Students Performance Task is a written or hands-on demonstration of mastery, or progress
towards mastery, of a selected standard(s) or skill(s). It asks students to perform or to generate
meaning on their own rather than select answers from a pre-determined list. REACH Students PTs can
yield rich insights not only into what students know and do not yet know, but how they apply their
knowledge to complex questions or tasks. This provides teachers with formative information they can
use to help students improve not just their content knowledge, but the facility with which they can
“put it all together.”
Performance Task Development
REACH Performance Tasks are developed by teams of CPS teachers. Over 250 CPS teachers with
expertise across PK–12 in 12 different content areas create the collection of REACH Students
Performance Tasks administered across the District each year. The teams select a foundational
standard in the content area/grade level that is measurable within one class period. They then design,
pilot, and refine a beginning and end of year test form. During the process, over 20 central office
content specialists and members of the Department of Student Assessment provide training, guidance,
and support.
Task Administration
ALL classroom educators evaluated using the CPS Framework for Teaching or CPS Framework for
Teacher-Librarians must administer a REACH Students Performance Task to one of his/her classrooms.
REACH Performance Tasks will be administered at the beginning and the end of the 2016-17 school
year to the same group of students.
Administration Windows (SY 15–16) Dates
Beginning of Year (BOY) September 19, 2016 – October 28, 2016
End of Year (EOY) May 8, 2017 – June 9, 2017
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Student Growth Performance Tasks
Page 37 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Task Ordering
Teachers can obtain their REACH Students Performance Tasks in two ways:
1) Teachers can place an order for their tasks through the Google Form provided by the Department of Student Assessment, and the relevant materials will be delivered to schools by September 25th. The dates for ordering Fall BOY assessments are August 29– September 2, 2016. The dates for ordering Spring EOY assessments are March 20- March 31, 2017.
2) Teachers can download the task documents from the REACH PT page of the Knowledge Center and print the necessary materials independently.
Almost every teacher in CPS should be able to select a REACH Performance Task that is applicable and
appropriate for one of his/her classrooms. We expect very few teachers to have to create their own
REACH PTs. For a list of available tasks, visit the REACH PT page of the Knowledge Center. For those
who do need to create their own REACH PT, please follow the guidelines provided in the REACH PT
Manual.
Score Entry
Teachers enter their students’ REACH PT scores into the CIM system. Scoring guides can be
downloaded on the REACH PT page of the Knowledge Center. This year, teachers will be asked to enter
both the total points and summative scores (0, 1, 2, or 3) into CIM for each student’s test. All scores
must be entered into CIM before the administration window ends.
Growth Calculation
The beginning of year (BOY) assessment and end of year (EOY) assessment are designed to measure
the same standard at the same level of difficulty. The percentage of students who make growth from
the BOY to EOY will be factored into a teacher’s summative REACH Students Rating as one of the
multiple measures of student growth. For REACH PTs, “growth” is defined as moving up at least one
performance level on the summative scale from BOY to EOY (e.g., 0 1, 13, etc.). If a student
begins at the highest level (3) at the BOY and retains that score at the EOY, then that is also counted as
“growth” for purposes of REACH.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Student Growth Performance Tasks
Page 38 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
A teacher’s Performance Task score is based on the percentage of students that grow, not the magnitude of growth. Examples below illustrate whether or not an individual student has grown:
BOY Score
EOY Score
Counts as Growth?
Explanation
3 3 Yes Because the student has already topped out the scale in
BOY, a 3–3 score counts as growth.
1 3 Yes This student grew, though the amount of growth does not
affect the score.
2 2 No If a student receives the same non-3 score in BOY and EOY,
no growth.
2 1 No If the EOY score is less than the BOY, no growth.
Performance Task Roster Verification
Performance Task Roster Verification is a process in the Battelle for Kids system that allows teachers to confirm which students for which task(s) should count for the teachers’ REACH Performance Task growth scores. The REACH Performance Task(s) administered and the roster of the students who took the test are reviewed and edited to affirm which students’ results will impact a teacher’s evaluation. All teachers must complete PT Verification so that the correct students can be counted for a teacher’s REACH Performance Task Growth Score.
If you have any questions, please first consult the REACH PT Handbook, downloadable at the REACH PT
page of the Knowledge Center. If you are unable to determine the correct course of action, please
email [email protected] with your query.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 39 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Student Growth Value-Added Measures
What are Value-Added Measures (VAMs)?
A nationally-recognized statistical model that measures the impact of a school and/or a teacher on
students’ academic growth from year to year.
The Value-Added Model compares students with similar characteristics to 1) see how similar
students grew relative to each other, and 2) to capture the teacher’s contribution to student
learning, adjusting for factors outside of the teacher’s control.
To measure the teacher’s contribution to student growth, the Value-Added Model “controls” or
adjusts for prior performance and
other student factors that also
influence academic growth, but are
outside the teacher’s control.
How was CPS’s Value Added Model
developed?
The CPS Value-Added Model was
developed by the Value-Added
Research Center, at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison.
The VAM Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC), established in
2007, provides input into the model
and includes local and national
experts.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 40 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Student Growth Value-Added Measures
How is a teacher’s Value-Added score determined?
A teacher’s Value-Added result is the
difference between actual student
performance and predicted student
performance in either Math or
Reading using:
Spring NWEA Measures of
Academic Progress (MAP) for
Elementary Schools
Instructional responsibility as determined through Roster Verification
A set of student characteristics
that are outside of a teacher’s
control
Which outside factors are controlled for when calculating a VAM score?
Value-Added Model allows CPS to “control” or adjust for factors that influence student performance
but are outside of the teacher’s control. The following is a list of factors controlled for in CPS Value-
Added Model:
1. Prior reading assessment data 6. Grade level 2. Prior math assessment data 7. Gender 3. Race/ethnicity 8. Low-income status 4. English Language Learner status 9. Individualized Education Program status 5. Students in temporary living situations 10. Mobility
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Student Growth Classroom Roster Verification and Performance Task Roster Verification
Page 41 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Roster Verification
Roster Verification is a process administered through Battelle for Kids (BFK) Link software and is used
to accurately capture the instructional associations between teachers and their students. A record of
rosters of both classroom schedules, as recorded in IMPACT, and Performance Task administrations, as
recorded in BOY score entry, are made available for review and modification through BFK-Link. CPS
uses these rosters to calculate teacher-level measures of their students’ academic growth as a part of
REACH Students evaluation system. Because teachers and principals know best the schedules and
amount of instructional responsibility for each student, their active participation will ensure the best,
most accurate possible data results from the roster verification process. The accuracy of this process
is particularly important for teachers who share students (SPED and other), who transfer, or are hired
midyear.
The Roster Verification process begins in Spring 2017.
Classroom Roster Verification
Performance Task Roster
Verification (PT Verification)
Educators Verify
which students they taught for
each course,
for what months in the school
year, and
whether they provided all of the
instruction or collaborated with
another teacher.
which students they expect to
receive credit for in their
Performance Task student
growth measure
Educator
Responsibilities
Teachers will be responsible for
reviewing, editing, and confirming
the accuracy of their class roster(s)
by indicating when their students
were members of the class and the
level of instructional responsibility
for each student. Principals then
approve the teacher-verified
rosters.
Teachers will be responsible for
reviewing, editing, and confirming
the accuracy of their Performance
Task roster(s) by indicating the
students who are expected to have
both a BOY (or MOY) and EOY score.
Principals then approve the
teacher-verified rosters.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Student Growth Classroom Roster Verification and Performance Task Roster Verification
Page 42 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Classroom and Performance Task Roster Verification Training and Login Spring 2017
Access the online system by going to the Battelle for Kids site and clicking “Access Link” which will
take you to the BFK•Link® login screen. Use your CPS user name and password to login to the
system.
Review the column on the right-hand side of the Link page to see your timeline, school support
team, and available resources.
For questions, contact your school-based Roster Verification support team.
For dates, principal training times, and access to both administrator and educator resources, see the Knowledge Center Roster Verification page, under REACH.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved
Page 43 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Student Growth FAQs
1. Q: How is the Student Growth score calculated for PreK – Grade 2 educators? A: The Student Growth score for PreK –Grade 2 and high school educators will be comprised
entirely of Performance Task results. Teachers and librarians in these grades will enter scores for
two REACH PTs or two classes. Consult the REACH Performance Task Manual for more
information.
2. Q: How are two Performance Task scores calculated for a final rating?
A: Results from both Performance Tasks will be aggregated. Educators will receive a single Performance Task score based on results from the two REACH PTs given or the PT given to two classes.
3. Q: Which students count towards my REACH Performance Task Score? A: A student will count towards and educator’s REACH Performance Task score if the:
Student has BOY scores entered in CIM during an approved administration window.
Student has EOY scores entered in CIM for the corresponding task code during the approved
administration window.
Teacher verifies the student for the administered task through the Performance Task Roster
Verification process in the Battelle for Kids system. The principal approves the verification.
4. Q: Does the magnitude of growth impact the Performance Task Score?
A: No. For the purposes of the REACH Performance Task score, there is no difference between
moving from a 0 to a 3 and moving from a 1 to a 2.
5. Q: What is the difference between Classroom Roster Verification and Performance Task Roster
Verification? Are they the same?
A: Classroom Roster Verification and Performance Task Roster Verification both occur within the
Battelle for Kids system and are completed at the same time, but they are not the same. The
information collected in Performance Task Roster Verification and Classroom Roster Verification
are used for different purposes.
Classroom Roster Verification is a process for accurately and transparently capturing the
instructional attribution between teachers and students. This allows for CPS to continuously
improve data quality and accurately associate students with their teachers during Value-Added
calculations.
As part of the Roster Verification process, CPS has integrated a Performance Task roster
verification to ensure the accurate attribution of Performance Task scores in our REACH Students
Summative Rating calculations. In this process, teachers confirm which students for which task(s)
should be counted towards this score.
Student Growth FAQs
Page 44 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
6. Q: What happens in cases where the educator did not complete the Performance Task
Verification process or was not able to administer the BOY / EOY Performance Task?
A: For educators who did not satisfy the above three conditions, one of the following outcomes
will occur:
For teachers who must administer only one Performance Task:
o The REACH PT percentage of the evaluation is reallocated to the Value-Added metric
(i.e. 70% Professional Practice, 30% VAM).
If a VAM score is not available, the REACH PT percentage is reallocated to
Professional Practice (i.e. 100% Professional Practice).
For teachers who must administer two Performance Tasks (i.e. K-2, High School):
o If the teacher does not have scores for two Performance Tasks, the percentage for
both Performance Tasks is reallocated to Professional Practice (i.e. 100% Professional
Practice).
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Evaluation Summary
Report
Page 46 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Overview
Evaluation Summary Report
The REACH Students Evaluation Summary Report provides details about the measures used to calculate an educator’s REACH Students Summative Rating.
Educators who were observed during the 2015-156 school year will receive REACH Students Summary Reports. This includes classroom educators, teacher-librarians, educational support specialists, related service providers and counselors.
There are different kinds of REACH Students Evaluation Summary Reports: Final,
Interim and Informational.
The final REACH Students Evaluation Summary Report contains final calculations for each of the
multiple measures accounted for in an educator's REACH Students Evaluation Plan. This may include
the final Professional Practice Score, Value-Added Score and Performance Task
Score. The REACH Students Evaluation Summary Report displays the educator's summative REACH
Students Rating of Distinguished, Proficient, Developing or Unsatisfactory. Educators on an annual plan
or the second year of their biennial plan will receive this summary report.
An interim REACH Students Evaluation Summary Report includes observation and student growth data that will count towards a summative REACH Students Rating. This report does not include REACH Students Total Points or summative REACH Students Ratings. Educators who have completed year one of a Biennial Plan will receive an interim report.
An informational REACH Students Evaluation Summary Report includes observation and student growth data that will not count towards a summative REACH Students Rating. This report does not include REACH Students Total Points or summative REACH Students Ratings. Educators who are receiving an inability to rate or no rating will receive this report.
All educators can access their REACH Students Evaluation Summary Reports in the Reflect and Learn System (RLS). To access your report:
1. Log into the Reflect and Learn System using your CPS username and password. 2. On your RLS homepage, scroll down, locate and click the button that reads “My REACH Results”. 3. Click the tab that reads “2015-16” and locate the link that reads “2015-16 REACH Evaluation
Summary Report”.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Page 47 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Summative REACH Students Rating
Evaluation Summary Report Sums
The summative REACH Students Rating is developed from Professional Practice Scores and measures
of Student Growth, when applicable. Scores from each measure (i.e., Professional Practice,
Performance Tasks, Value-Added) are converted to a scale of 1.00–4.00 and contributes to the Total
Points. Each scaled score is multiplied by the appropriate weight which yields a weighted total for
each measure (Total Points). Summative REACH Students Ratings are based on the Total Points of
each measure which are added together to equal the REACH Students Total Points, which falls on a
scale between 100 and 400 points. Your final totals for each measure are then added and assigned a
summative REACH Students Rating. An overview of this calculation is provided in the image below.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Evaluation Summary Report
Clarifying Terminology
Page 48 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Evaluation Summary Report
Clarifying Terminology
Performance levels for educator practice (i.e., evidence gathered during classroom observations) are
based on the CPS Framework for Teaching (or discipline specific Framework); these are different than
the overall summative REACH Students Rating categories.
Summative REACH Students Rating categories are determined by PERA. ISBE calls the rating below
Proficient “Needs Improvement.” CPS and CTU agreed this will be referred to as Developing.
Previous Summative Rating categories are listed as a point of reference. Also, these rating categories
were used to determine the initial Evaluation Plan in SY 2012-13 for tenured educators.
Find additional up-to-date information, resources and FAQs refer to the REACH Summary Data and Reports page on the Knowledge Center.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Levels of Performance in CPS Framework for Teaching
(Classroom Observations)
REACH Students Rating Categories
(Summative REACH Students Ratings ONLY)
SY11—12 / Previous Rating Categories
(Summative REACH Students Ratings)
Distinguished Excellent Superior
Proficient Proficient Excellent
Basic Developing Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory Unsatisfactory Unsatisfactory
CPS Framework Performance Levels
Used ONLY for professional practice, specific to the CPS
Framework for Teaching and other discipline-specified
Frameworks.
Summative REACH Students Ratings
Used ONLY at the end of an evaluation cycle when a final
summative evaluation rating is provided. Includes both teacher practice and growth measures.
Previous Summative REACH Student Ratings
Point of reference. Previous ratings were used to determine
when tenured educators first receive a Summative REACH
Students Rating.
Counselor Practice
Counselor Practice CPS Framework for School Counselors
Page 50 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Overview
Similar to the CPS Framework for Teaching, CPS has created a Framework for School Counselors. The
Framework for School Counselors is organized into four domains of school counseling:
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation Domain 2: The Environment Domain 3: Delivery of Services Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
The School Counselor summative REACH Students Rating is based 100% on the Professional Practice
score. The following is the breakdown of weights for each domain:
It may not be possible to observe every element of each component in the CPS Framework for School Counselors. Evaluators should use pre and post observation conferences to gather evidence regarding practice and delivery of services observed. © 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Counselor Practice CPS Framework for School Counselors
Page 51 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Refer to the CPS Framework for School Counselors Companion Guide for details about gathering evidence for components, including recommendations for discussion during the pre- and post-observation conferences.
REACH Students Guidance for Observing School Counselors
At the start of each school year, evaluators and School Counselors are encouraged to meet to discuss
counseling program goals, resources and expectations, especially through completion of the Annual
Agreement. In some cases, elementary School Counselors, nominated as case managers, should meet
with their evaluators to complete the Framework Selection Form for Case Managers.
Annual Agreement
The Annual Agreement is a tool provided by the Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary
Advising that can be used to address the roles and responsibilities of the School Counselor as well as
how the School Counseling Program will be organized to meet goals.
School Counselors and evaluators are encouraged to complete the Annual Agreement meeting early in
the year to discuss time distribution, school counseling program needs and goals.
Framework Selection
During the development of the Annual Agreement, the School Counselor who has been nominated as
the case manager and the evaluator will determine which framework best fits the School Counselor’s
roles and responsibilities – the CPS Framework for School Counselors, which is adaptable to include
case management duties, or the CPS Framework for Educational Support Specialists (ESS). Please note
the Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising recommend the use of the CPS Framework
for School Counselors.
If the ESS Framework is deemed the best fit for the School Counselor, then the Framework Selection
Form for Case Managers must be completed..
Evidence Based Implementation Plan (EBIP)
The Evidence Based Implementation Plan (EBIP) is a tool provided by the Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising that includes a calendar, action plan(s), lesson plan(s), etc. to ensure that a structured, intentional approach is in place to address the academic, career and personal/social development of all students. This can be an additional point of discussion in completing the Annual Agreement and/or uploaded as evidence during the REACH performance evaluation process.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Counselor Practice CPS Framework for School Counselors
Page 52 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Counselor Resources
The Evidence Based Implementation Plan, Annual Agreement and the Framework Selection Form for
Case Managers can be found on the Knowledge Center.
The CPS Framework for School Counselors Companion Guide is the source for appropriate artifacts to
upload as evidence and definitions and examples of practice within each domain and component. See
the Knowledge Center under the REACH tab and click Counselors & Case Managers.
Expected in Fall 2016, there will be a REACH Framework for School Counselors Database of Resources available on the Knowledge Center for School Counselors interested in accessing lesson plans and other documents, photos and videos of School Counselor practice. All resources will be categorized school counseling activity, grade level and REACH domain and component. Please see the Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising Knowledge Center for resources. You may also access the Framework for School Counselors FAQ document for additional help.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Counselor Practice FAQs
Page 53 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
1. Q: If I am an elementary School Counselor but the majority of my work is case management,
which CPS Framework should I be on?
A: The Counselor and evaluator should meet early in the school year to discuss which Framework is
most appropriate using the Framework selection process mentioned on page 49. The evaluator
makes the final decision on which Framework will be used.
2. Q: What evidence can school administrators and/or evaluators collect for the School Counselor evaluation?
A: Some components of the CPS Framework for School Counselors are best demonstrated through
professional conversations (e.g. Domain 1 and Component 4a). Evidence for Domain 1: Planning
and Preparation, could include: implementation plan and/or school counseling program goals,
needs assessment, record of referrals, annual counseling calendar, school counseling core
curriculum action plan/lesson plans, small-group action plan/curriculum, pre/post-tests, flashlight
presentations, etc.
Skills described in Domain 2: The Environment, and Domain 3: Delivery of Service, are best seen
during school counseling activity observations. During this observation, the school administrator
will take notes to capture the evidence of school counselor practice, and perhaps speak with
students/audience to gauge their understanding. Capturing this evidence directly/electronically will
make the remaining steps of the process significantly more efficient, and it is strongly encouraged.
Examples of additional evidence include: daily schedules, phone logs, contact logs, annual
counseling calendar, systems for counseling duties, department meeting agendas, counselor
newsletter, pre/post-tests, individual learning plans, etc. Visit pages 8-17 of the Framework for
School Counselors Companion Guide for more recommendations.
3. Q: I am a School Counselor, and my evaluator is expressing difficulty finding appropriate evidence
to rate me in all components. Are there resources available to assist with the Counselor REACH
Students process?
A: Yes, the CPS Framework for School Counselors Companion Guide has a wealth of guidance
information to assist evaluators in observing and rating counselor practice, including
component definitions and examples, lists of artifacts, etc. See the Knowledge Center under
the REACH Tab and click Counselors & Case Managers.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
.
Additional Frameworks:
Educational Support Specialists (ESS)
and Librarians
Additional Frameworks Educational Support Specialists (ESS)
Page 55 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Educational Support Specialist Framework
The CPS Framework for Educational Support Specialists (ESS) may be used for educators whose job
description does not always involve instructing groups of students while simultaneously not having a
job description that fits under the other CPS Frameworks for Non-Classroom Teachers. Examples of
educators who may opt to be evaluated under the Framework for ESS may include (not an exhaustive
list):
IB Coordinators
STEM Coordinators
Counselors who serve primarily as case managers
Instructional Coaches
Deans
Bilingual Leads
Similar to the CPS Framework for Teaching, the ESS Framework is divided into four domains, as follows:
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
Domain 2: The Environment - Building a Community of Learners
Domain 3: Delivery of Service and Support
Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Additional Frameworks Educational Support Specialists (ESS)
Page 56 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
The domain weightings for the CPS Framework for Educational Support Specialists are the same as the
CPS Framework for Teaching, as noted in the chart below.
In order to be evaluated under the ESS Framework, the evaluator must submit a Framework Change
Request Form.
Educators evaluated using the ESS Framework will receive a final rating based solely on Professional
Practice; student growth metrics are not factored into summative REACH Students Ratings for these
educators.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Additional Frameworks Teacher-Librarians
Page 57 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Teacher-Librarians have a dedicated Framework adapted from the Danielson Framework for
Library/Media Specialist.
Similar to all other CPS Frameworks, the CPS Framework for Teacher-Librarians is divided into four
domains each of which is then further divided into related components. The Teacher-Librarian
domains are as follows:
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
Domain 2: The Environment
Domain 3: Delivery of Instruction and Services
Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
The domain weightings for Teacher-Librarians are as follows:
Student Growth metrics for Teacher Librarians are explained on page 10.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Additional Frameworks
Page 58 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
FAQs
1. Q: Do Teacher-Librarians administer Performance Tasks and have student growth metrics
calculated into their summative REACH Students Ratings?
A: Yes, Teacher-Librarians’ summative REACH Students Ratings incorporate student growth metrics,
including Performance Tasks and Value-Added (Elementary School).
2. Q: Do Teacher-Librarians have their own REACH Framework?
A: Yes, the CPS Framework for Teacher-Librarians can be accessed in the Knowledge Center.
3. Q: Where can Teacher-Librarians access lesson plans and resources to support them in their professional practices?
A: There are resources that have been created by Teacher-Librarian Framework Specialists to
support professional practices. They are located on the Framework Specialist page on the
Knowledge Center.
4. Q: Where can Teacher-Librarians get additional support to assist them with Components of the CPS Framework for Teacher-Librarians?
A: Teacher-Librarians can contact Lisa Perez, Library Manager, at [email protected] or 773-553-
6212, to be put in touch with the library coordinator who supports their schools. The Department
of Literacy: Libraries offers a wide range of consultation and professional development
opportunities for librarians.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Employment Consideration
Employment Considerations Evaluation Plans for Tenured Educators
Page 60 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Evaluation plans are determined by the educator’s tenure status and the previous year’s summative REACH Students Ratings.
Evaluation Plans for Annually Rated Tenured Educators in School Year
2016–2017 and Beyond
Evaluation Plans for Year 1 Biennially Rated Tenured
Educators in School Year 2016–2017 and Beyond
NOTE: In the event that a tenured educator in Year 2 of a Biennial Plan in 2015-16 received two observations in Year 1, but fewer than two in Year 2 his/her plan will be determined by an estimated score. All conducted observations and all available Student Growth scores from Year 1 and Year 2 will be used to determine an estimated REACH Student Rating.
1. If the educator’s estimated REACH Students Rating is Excellent or Proficient, then the educator
will receive a Proficient REACH Students Rating and start Year 1 of a new Biennial Plan in 2016-17.
2. If the educator’s estimated REACH Students Rating is Developing or Unsatisfactory, then the
educator will receive an Inability to Rate REACH Students Rating, default to his or her most recent
rating and will move to an Annual Plan in 2016-17. The educator will be placed on a PDP. © 2016,
Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Most Recent Summative REACH Students Rating
What happens the following school year?
Excellent and Proficient Move to the Biennial Plan
Developing Remain on an Annual Plan and on a Professional Development Plan
Unsatisfactory Placed on a Remediation Plan
Inability to Rate Educator will receive his/her previous rating and will remain on an Annual Plan.
Most Recent Summative REACH Students Rating
What happens the following school year?
Excellent and Proficient Remain on the Biennial Plan
Developing Move to an Annual Plan and placed into a Professional Development Plan
Unsatisfactory Placed on a Remediation Plan
Biennially rated educators with fewer than t wo
observations
Cycle will re-start in SY 2016–2017. Educator will be evaluated in SY 2016– 2017 and SY 2017–2018 and will receive a summative REACH Students
Rating in SY 2017–2018
Employment Considerations Probationary Appointed Teachers (PAT)
Page 61 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
All PAT educators are assigned to an Annual Plan (3 Formal and 1 Informal) within one school year.
Those who receive a Developing and Unsatisfactory remain on Annual Plan (three Formal and one Informal) Based on Spring projections of Summative REACH Students Ratings, a principal may non-renew educators trending toward Developing or Unsatisfactory
If you are a Probationary Appointed Teacher (PAT), your current and prior summative REACH Students
Rating(s) have an impact on the acquisition of tenure.
For Probationary Appointed Teachers (PATs) hired before 7/1/13, the historical rules regarding tenure
acquisition remain in place through the 2016-17 School Year.
Tenure Acquisition for PATs Hired Before July 1, 2013
Tenure Status 2013–2014 2014–2016 2016–2017
PAT3 first hired for SY 2012–2013
Developing or higher
Developing* or higher
Tenured
*PAT3s who receive a summative REACH Students Rating of “Developing” and achieve tenure in the summer
before the start of the next school year will be on a Professional Development Plan for their first year as a
tenured educator. See pages 77-79 for more information about Professional Development Plans.
NOTE: An “Unsatisfactory” summative REACH Students Rating will not allow an educator to “count” that year towards tenure acquisition. Once final ratings are known, CPS will adjust tenure dates for probationary teachers deemed unsatisfactory.
For Probationary Appointed Teachers hired after 7/1/13, the achievement of tenure is now connected
to your summative REACH Students Rating.
New Tenure Rules for All Educators Hired After July 1, 2013
Scenario Type Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
1 Accelerated 3 year track
Excellent Excellent Excellent Tenured
2 Proficient in Years 2 and 4
Developing or higher
Proficient or higher
Developing or higher
Proficient or higher
Tenured
3 Proficient in Years 3 and 4
Developing or higher
Developing or higher
Proficient or higher
Proficient or higher
Tenured
NOTE: An “Unsatisfactory” summative REACH Students Rating will not allow an educator to “count” that year towards tenure acquisition. Once final ratings are known, CPS will adjust tenure dates for probationary teachers deemed unsatisfactory.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Employment Considerations Summative REACH Ratings affect Layoffs and Non-Renewal
Page 62 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Order of Layoffs Summative REACH Students Ratings affect the order in which educators are laid off. Within a school and content area/certification and seniority within each category, educators are laid off in the following order:
Order Rating
1 All Unsatisfactory
2 TAT
3 PAT 210-250 (Emerging)
4 PAT Developing
5 PAT Proficient
6 PAT Excellent
7 Tenured (Emerging)
8 Tenured Developing
9 Tenured Proficient and Excellent
Non-Renewal
If you are a Probationary Appointed Teacher (PAT), your current summative REACH Students Rating(s)
may have an impact on whether you are subject to the non-renewal process. Principals may non-
renew PATs who are rated less than “Proficient.” PATs must be notified of their evaluator’s
recommendation of non-renewal no later than May 10, 2017.
Principals may not non-renew PATs who are rated “Proficient” or better and those PATs will be
renewed (but they are subject to layoff or displacement). This means that other circumstances may
occur at the end of the budget year that may require the displacement of staff. The contractual order
of layoffs can be found in Article 23-3.3 of the Agreement
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Employment Considerations Professional Development Plan and Remediation Plan
Page 63 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Professional Development Plan
A Professional Development Plan (PD Plan) is required for tenured educators with a summative REACH
Students Rating of “Developing.” Tenured educators under all CPS Frameworks are subject to this
process.
Within 30 school days of receiving a summative REACH Students Rating of “Developing,” the educator
and current evaluator co-create the PD Plan. The PD Plan must be aligned to Framework components
in which the educator was rated less than “Proficient” and it must include district/school supports to
improve professional practice. The educator will remain on the PD Plan for one year. Progress towards
meeting the goals in the plan are reviewed during each step of the evaluation cycle.
Exiting the PD Plan:
If the educator’s 2016-17 summative REACH Students Rating is Excellent or Proficient, the PD Plan
is concluded and the educator moves to the Biennial Plan in 2017–17.
If the educator’s 2016-17 Professional Practice score OR REACH Students Total Points
increases numerically (but not to Proficient or Excellent), the educator receives a summative
REACH Students Rating of Developing. The educator receives a new PD Plan in 2017–18.
If the educator’s 2016-17 Professional Practice score AND REACH Students Total Points stay the
same or decrease numerically, the educator receives a summative REACH Students Rating of
Unsatisfactory. The educator then begins the remediation process in 2017–18.
Tenured Educators and Developing Ratings
Rating Evaluation Plan Evaluation Cycle Required interval between observations
First DEVELOPING rating Annual Plan with Professional
Development Plan
2 Formal and 2 Informal
1 calendar month
Second consecutive DEVELOPING rating with improvement (based on Professional
Practice OR Total Points score)
Annual Plan with Professional
Development Plan
2 Formal and 2 Informal
1 calendar month
Second consecutive DEVELOPING rating without improvement (based on
Professional Practice AND Total Points score)
Unsatisfactory rating with a Remediation Plan
2 Formal Per Remediation Plan guidelines
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Employment Considerations Professional Development Plan and Remediation Plan
Page 64 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Remediation Plan
A Remediation Plan is required for tenured educators with a summative REACH Students Rating of
“Unsatisfactory.” Tenured educators under all Frameworks may be subject to this process.
Within 30 school days of receiving a summative REACH Students Rating of “Unsatisfactory,” the
educator, current evaluator, and consulting teacher create the Remediation Plan. The Remediation
Plan must be aligned to Framework components in which the educator was rated less than Proficient
and must include district/school supports to improve practice. In addition, a consulting teacher is
assigned to work with the educator during the term of the remediation period. The educator will
remain on the Remediation Plan for 90 school days of educator and student attendance.
During the course of the 90-day remediation period, the consulting teacher partners with the educator
undergoing remediation for 3–4 hours on a weekly basis to support professional growth. The educator
will be formally observed twice by the evaluator during the remediation period, once at the mid-point
and again at the end of the 90-day period. The mid-point observation will be used for formative
purposes to help the educator focus the second half of the remediation period on those areas of
practice most in need of development. The 90-day observation will determine whether he/she has
achieved proficiency. At the conclusion of the remediation period, the educator receives a summative
REACH Students Rating based on Professional Practice, using component-level ratings from the
observation.
For purposes of the remediation process, proficiency will be calculated using component-level ratings
of practice as determined by the evaluator’s final observation, as well as component-level ratings for
Components 4b–4e. Domain weightings will be applied consistent with current practice; student
growth scores are not considered when calculating the remediation summative REACH Students
Rating.
The process for exiting the Remediation Plan is as follows:
If the educator’s summative REACH Students Rating at the end of the remediation period is
Excellent or Proficient, the Remediation Plan is concluded. No additional REACH Student
observations are required. The educator will be placed on an Annual Plan for the following School
Year.
If, at the conclusion of the remediation period, the educator’s summative REACH Students Rating is
Developing or Unsatisfactory, dismissal proceedings will commence which may result in separation
from CPS employment.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Employment Considerations Professional Development Plan and Remediation Plan
Page 65 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
The Professional Development and Remediation Plans are summarized in the table below.
Professional Development Plan
(Developing)
Remediation Plan
(Unsatisfactory)
Created Within 30 school days after summative REACH Students Rating is issued
Within 30 school days after summative REACH Students Rating is issued
Duration One school year 90 school days of educator and student attendance
Support • Includes support from the school/ district as described in PD Plan
• Evaluator & educator co-create plan • PD Plan reviewed at each REACH
observation
• Includes support from the school/district
• Includes the assignment of a consulting teacher who creates plan with evaluator and educator
• Two Formal Observations required during remediation time span; plan reviewed throughout the remediation period
Exiting the
Plan*
Remains on plan until summative REACH Students Rating increases to Proficient or Excellent
Requires a Proficient or Excellent rating on the last Formal Observation to maintain employment
*A tenured teacher on a Professional Development Plan who is rated “Developing” for two or more
consecutive years will be placed on a revised Professional Development Plan. A teacher whose REACH
Students Total Points are in the “Developing” range, but whose Professional Practice Points or REACH
Students Total Points do not improve from the prior evaluation will be rated “Unsatisfactory” and
placed on a Remediation Plan.
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Employment Considerations Grievance and Appeal Process
Page 66 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Grievance Process
A grievance cannot be filed until after release of the REACH Students Evaluation Summary Report in the
Reflect and Learn System. Educators have 45 school days from receipt of the REACH Students Evaluation
Summary Report to file a grievance if he/she believes that a procedural mistake that could affect their overall
rating occurred during the evaluation process. The teacher may ask CTU for assistance with the Grievance
Process or file the grievance on his/her own. All grievances alleging procedural errors in the ratings process
should be filed directly with the Office of Employee Engagement at Central Office, and not with the
principal.
Appeals Process
Any educator who receives an “Unsatisfactory” summative REACH Students Rating may appeal to a 4 member
appeals committee of certified evaluators selected by CTU and CPS. Educators who wish to appeal must file a
Notice of Intent in the
Ref lect an d Lea rn Syst em within 10 days of receipt of their REACH Students Evaluation Summary Report and
then submit evidence related to the appeal within 30 days of receiving their REACH Students Evaluation
Summary Report. The filing of an appeal does not delay remediation or forestall any actions, such as non-
renewal or layoff, but if the appeal is won, any actions determined to be the result of a faulty rating will be
reversed.
Appellants will be asked to summarize the basis for their appeal and to provide evidence that falls into one or
more of the following areas:
Evidence used by evaluator does not match component scoring
Evidence used by evaluator is missing or not considered
Teachers did not have to opportunity to contribute their thoughts during Pre- or Post-Observation
Conferences
Ratings are based on observation notes that reflect evaluator bias, subjectivity, or interpretation
Student particularities and/or classroom needs were not addressed by evaluator
Evaluator is biased
Other
All PATs who receive an “Unsatisfactory” summative REACH Students Rating may file an appeal. If their appeal is
granted, the “Unsatisfactory” summative REACH Students Rating will be replaced with an Emerging rating of 250
which is the lower part of “Developing.”
The “Developing” summative REACH Students Rating will not reverse a non-renewal. If the appeal is denied the
“Unsatisfactory” summative REACH Students Rating stands.
All tenured educators who receive an “Unsatisfactory” summative REACH Students Rating may file an appeal. If
their appeal is granted, the “Unsatisfactory” summative REACH Students Rating will be replaced with an Emerging
rating of 250 which is the lower part of “Developing.”
A Professional Development Plan will replace their Remediation Plan for the remainder of the school year. For
details about the Appeals Process, see Article 39-9 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. © 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Employment Considerations Grievance and Appeal Process
Page 67 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
1. Q: Are Temporarily Assigned Teachers (TATs) evaluated under REACH Students? Does time
worked as a TAT count toward tenure? A: TATs are no longer evaluated under REACH Students and time worked does not count towards tenure.
2. Q: Do previously tenured teachers who become part-time teachers lose their tenure?
A: Yes, they do. Part-time teachers cannot achieve tenure while working part-time and have no tenure rights while in part-time status. Formerly tenured teachers who become part-time will have tenured restored when they return to a full-time permanent position if: (1) they return to a full- time permanent teaching position without a break in service; or, (2) they return to a full-time permanent teacher position after an involuntary break-in-service (i.e., a layoff or honorable termination) of no more than 2 years; or, (3) they return to a full-time teacher position after a voluntary break-in-service (i.e., a resignation) of no more than one calendar year. A “break in service” means any separation from any CPS employment (regardless of length of time). As described above, the consequences to a teacher’s tenure status depend on whether the break in service is voluntary or involuntary and the length of the break.
3. Q: What if I received fewer than the required number of observations in the 2015–16 School Year?
A: These educators are classified as “Inability to Rate.” “No Rating” is assigned if an educator has not worked sufficient days during the school year.
Tenured educators in 2016-17 will restart the same Evaluation Plan as 20145–16.
When a PAT is classified as “Inability to Rate,” the PAT defaults to a Proficient rating.
Tenured educators on an ANNUAL Plan will restart a one-year cycle and will receive a summative REACH Students Rating in September 2017.
Tenured educators in Year 1 of a BIENNIAL Plan will begin the two-year cycle again and will receive a summative REACH Students Rating in September 2018. *Tenured educators in Year 2 of a BIENNIAL Plan please reference page 74 for more information.
PAT1 and PAT2 will remain on an Annual Plan which is a one-year cycle and will receive a summative REACH Students Rating in September 2017.
Hired Prior to 7/1/2013 PAT3 becomes tenured and is placed on an Evaluation Plan according to his or her hire date (see pages 27). If the educator is on an Annual Plan, he or she will receive a Summative REACH Rating in September 2017. If the educator is on a Biennial Plan, he or she will receive a summative REACH Rating in September 2018. Hired after 7/1/2013 Educator moves to a PAT4 status and continues on an Annual Plan (3 Formal and 1 Informal )
© 2016, Chicago Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Professional Learning Resources
Resources
Page 69 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
Knowledge Center: kc.cps.edu
Access resources for
REACH protocols and
processes, Framework for
Teaching professional
learning and Content Area
supports using the drop-
down menu at the top.
Resources
Page 70 Educator Evaluation Handbook 2016-17
CTU Quest Center PD • All CTU Quest Center
offerings are driven
by the components
of the CPS
Framework for
Teaching
• Upcoming offerings
with descriptions are
posted on
www.ctunet.com/pd,
advertised in the
Chicago Union
ahTeacher
newspaper, sent
through CTU e-blasts,
and found on the CPS
Knowledge Center
For more information contact
CTU Quest Center Professional Development Facilitator
Theresa Insalaco-DeCicco, M.Ed. NBCT (312) 329-6270
Chicago Public Schools Vision
Every Chicago Public Schools student in every neighborhood
will be engaged in a rigorous, well-rounded instructional program and will graduate prepared for success in college, career and life.
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Chicago, Illinois 60602
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